Senate President Win Gatchalian urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to adopt a clear and strategic roadmap for the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), emphasizing that basic components such as complete route rationalization must be finalized to ensure the program’s long-term success and maximize its impact.
At the Senate hearing on the proposed 2027 budget of the DOTr and its attached agencies, Gatchalian expressed concern over the delayed completion of route rationalization studies, which were initiated during the previous administration but remain unfinished.
Gatchalian proposed focusing initial efforts on highly urbanized areas where transport demand and traffic congestion are most acute.
“We need to be strategic in our approach. Sayang naman ang programang ito,” he said.
“Allocate tayo nang allocate ng pera tapos hindi naman natatapos ‘yung project. Naabutan na tayo ng mataas na presyo ng langis. Mahihirapan na silang magbayad ng amortization nila,” he added.
To date, P891 million in equity subsidies remain undistributed.
Transportation Secretary Giovannie Lopez agreed with Gatchalian, noting that rising fuel prices could make it harder for operators and drivers to pay their amortization, underscoring the need to push forward with the PUV modernization program.
Gatchalian Itinutulak ang Strategic PUV Modernization; Nagbabala sa Hirap ng Amortization Dahil sa Taas Presyo ng Langis
Hinimok ni Senate President Win Gatchalian ang Department of Transportation (DOTr) na magkaroon ng malinaw at strategic na roadmap sa pagpapatupad ng Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), at tiyaking kumpleto muna ang mga pangunahing hakbang tulad ng route rationalization para maging matagumpay at masulit ang programa sa pangmatagalan.
Sa pagdinig ng Senado sa panukalang 2027 budget ng DOTr at mga attached agencies nito, nagpahayag ng pagkabahala si Gatchalian sa mabagal na pagkumpleto ng route rationalization studies na sinimulan pa noong nakaraang administrasyon ngunit hindi pa rin tapos hanggang ngayon.
Iminungkahi ni Gatchalian na unahin muna ang mga highly urbanized areas kung saan pinakamataas ang pangangailangan sa transportasyon at mas matindi ang traffic congestion.
“Kailangan strategic tayo sa approach natin. Sayang naman ang programang ito,” ani Gatchalian.
“Allocate tayo nang allocate ng pera tapos hindi naman natatapos ‘yung proyekto. Naabutan na tayo ng mataas na presyo ng langis. Mahihirapan na silang magbayad ng amortization nila,” dagdag niya.
Sa ngayon, nasa P891 milyon pa ang equity subsidies na hindi pa naipamamahagi.
Sang-ayon naman si Transportation Secretary Giovannie Lopez kay Gatchalian at sinabing maaari ngang mas mahirapan ang mga operator at driver na bayaran ang kanilang amortization dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Binigyang-diin din niya ang pangangailangang ituloy ang PUV modernization program.
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Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OSP WIN GATCHALIAN
